Transit-Oriented Development

Definition

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is a pattern of development characterized by a mix of uses surrounding a transit station where streets have a high level of connectivity, blocks are small, and buildings and uses cater to pedestrians.

The purpose is to make access to and from the transit station walkable and accessible in an environment that is human-scaled and provides for a mix of compatible and complementary land uses which facilitate transit ridership.

The cities of Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa have taken action to encourage development near the light rail alignment. More than $10.1 billion in private and public capital investment has been built near the initial 26-miles of light rail. See details in Valley Metro Rail—Economic Growth Along the Line. Another $807 million in commercial and residential building is being planned, most of that from private developers.

Characteristics

Walkable, tree-lined streets (shade)

Buildings built up to the street

Buildings with frequent windows and doors

Diverse, complementary uses that encourage people to stroll, shop, meet, greet and eat

Station Profiles

In order to encourage transit-oriented development around our light rail stations, Valley Metro has developed a set of TOD station profile sheets. Each profile sheet provides a basic overview of the light rail station, demographics within one-half mile and the type of transit service/amenities provided. Each sheet also includes ridership statistics, major nearby activity centers and possible TOD sites. This information is provided to help developers and interested parties in determining the best sites for future TOD.

Agency Role

Vision: Support its member cities in attaining their community and economic development goals and initiatives by serving primarily as a resource, a support function and community educator. By assisting in promoting high quality, more intensive development on and near properties adjacent to the light rail, Valley Metro can increase ridership and support long-term system capacity. Also, such development creates attractive investment opportunities for the private sector and stimulates additional development.

Mission: Assist Valley Metro Rail member cities in developing the policy framework and implementation strategies necessary to successfully build community support for TOD projects that: (1) improve access to public transportation, (2) make communities more pedestrian and bicycle friendly, (3) and create new living spaces that better serve the daily activities of the region by interfacing with a more diversified set of mobility options.

Goals and Objectives:
• Support community focused development
• Increase availability of public transportation
• Establish TOD principles in the planning and development process